Crisis-driven legislation could mark end of an era for private equity

By

Paul Hodkinson and

Oliver Smiddy

Updated: February 16, 2010 8:32 p.m. GMT

The private equity industry nervously awaits forthcoming European legislation that could see a substantially increased regulatory burden, restrictions on marketing between EU and non-EU groups, and potential checks on the level of gearing at general partner level.

Although under scrutiny by legislators prior to the economic crisis, the buyout industry has become a target for European politicians concerned at the lack of transparency...